US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania have received calls from children on Christmas Eve at Santa's Radar. The two take calls from children, who inquire about the current "flight position" of Santa Claus. A tradition in the US - that ended for a seven-year-old with a clear message.
The so-called Santa-Tracker has been around since 1955. Despite the US government shutdown in the dispute over the financing of Trump's wall on the border with Mexico, more than 1,500 volunteers in the evening operated this service of the North American Air and Space Defense Command (Norad), with which the alleged flight of Santa Claus around the world on radar screens is pursued.
Traditionally, the presidential family helps in accepting many calls. The flight of the gift-laden sled can also be followed online.
"This is borderline at the age of seven"
In a phone conversation with a seven-year-old Trump described the belief in "Santa Claus" in the age as "marginal". "Hello, is that Coleman? Merry Christmas, how are you? How old are you?" the president began the chat. Then the conversation took an unusual turn: "Do you still believe in Santa Claus, because at seven, that's borderline, right?" Trump said and started to laugh.
He wished another child, "Have a great Christmas, and we'll talk again, okay?" Despite the budget freeze, the Air Defense Command had made it clear that the 63-year tradition would continue.
First Lady Melania wished a child: "I hope your dreams come true." She was looking forward to a great experience later. "Helping children in the country follow Santa becomes one of my favorite traditions," tweeted the presidential spouse.
Because of the shutdown, Trump has had to postpone his planned trip to his private club Mar-a-Lago in Florida and has stayed in the White House.